Driver steals employer’s car two days after hiring, accomplice arrested

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A driver allegedly stole his employer’s 2016 Toyota Camry two days after he was employed, but police operatives in Ogun State recovered the vehicle from a hotel in Ifo within eight hours of the incident.

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The driver, identified as Waidi Olajide Kolawole, reportedly fled when operatives of the Ifo Division of the Ogun State Police Command stormed the hotel where the vehicle was found.

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His alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene.

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The vehicle, belonging to an Indian national based at the Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Lagos, was allegedly stolen on September 9, 2026, after Kolawole told his employer that he was taking it to a nearby vulcaniser to repair a tyre.

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Instead, the driver allegedly absconded with the vehicle.

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The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday.

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According to Babaseyi, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo area following a report by the owner.

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He said the information was immediately relayed to the Divisional Police Officer, Ifo, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives to track the vehicle.

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Babaseyi said, “Following the report, the vehicle was electronically tracked to the Ifo area. The information was promptly relayed to the DPO, Ifo Division, CSP Kamorudeen Olabisi, who analysed the available intelligence and immediately deployed surveillance and anti-robbery operatives.

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“The operatives tracked the vehicle through several locations before locating it at a hotel in Ifo at about 8:30pm. On sighting the police, Kolawale allegedly fled with the ignition key, while his alleged accomplice, Monday Adetunji, was arrested at the scene.”

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Preliminary investigation, according to the police, revealed that the suspects had allegedly approached a mechanic to remove the vehicle’s catalytic converter, but the mechanic declined.

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The police said the recovered vehicle had been secured, while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing driver and establish the full circumstances surrounding the alleged theft.

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Commending the operatives for the swift recovery, the state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, vigilance and use of intelligence in tracking down the vehicle.

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Ojajuni reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.

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The command advised vehicle owners to use reliable tracking devices and additional anti-theft measures, including steering and tyre locks.

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It also urged members of the public to exercise caution when entrusting vehicles, property and access to homes or businesses to others, stressing the need for proper due diligence.

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The police further advised hoteliers to strengthen guest and vehicle verification, maintain accurate records and promptly report suspicious persons, vehicles or activities.

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